On Tuesday night…that’s tonight… the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros will kick off the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. The best-of-seven series will shift to Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. beginning with Game 3. According to most baseball fans, The Houston Astros will win the series.
Every time I think of the World Series, I think of the 2003 season and the excitement of seeing Clay Aiken sing the National Anthem.
The Star-Spangled Banner is traditionally performed at the beginning of public sports events and orchestral concerts in the United States, as well as other public gatherings.
I am a musician and I have played or sung the Star Spangled Banner more times than I can imagine. The song is notoriously difficult for nonprofessional and professionals to sing, mainly because of its wide range which is an octave and a half.
Sometimes I was nervous when I had to perform the very difficult song. However, throughout my career, I do not think I was ever as nervous as I was on October 18, 2003.
Like many of Clay Aiken’s fans, I was excited to hear the news that he was asked to perform the Star-Spangled Banner at the opening of the World Series in 2003. Held at Yankee Stadium in New York, the Yankees were playing the Florida Marlins for the National Championship.
There was no reason to be nervous. Clay sang a wonderful rendition of the anthem and it was done with just Clay’s voice….no accompaniment. Clay sang with conviction and only hesitated for a second when the Stealth Bomber showed up a few seconds too soon. Using common sense, Clay stopped the song for a few moments so that the ending could be heard.
It was an exciting time for Clay Aiken fans. I would imagine it is a moment that Clay will never forget.
Did you see Clay sing the Star Spangled Banner at the
World Series in 2003?
Yes, watched this live and it was the most magnificent Star Spangled Banner ever sung – at least to me!!! Clay was brilliant! Always get the goose-bumps when Clay sings so beautifully!
WOW, I was so proud and I’m sure he was too! Thank you so much for sharing this special moment, Clay is amazing! (Native Houstonian and I love my Astros!)
Thank you for the pictures and video. I do remember this night. Clay did an great job singing the National Anthem. I will watch tonight. The National Anthem is a hard song to sing. I get very excited just to see who will sing. I hope who sings the song will do a great job tonight.
wow clay sang the natial anthem with flying colors what a amazing wonderfull job clay did and I thank you also for charing with me this very special moment clay is indeed amazing no dought about that im sure that was a diffacult song for clay to sing